Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of April 15th, not a favorite day for most of US taxpayers. In addition to the weekly newsletter, I posted the article below on how to simplify cooking for older adults.
As spring is now in the air, you will find two articles on hiking in the Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies section of the newsletter as well.
My favorite retirement newsletter articles for the week are below.
- Travel for Seniors: How to Do Italy in the Off Season
- Food, Nutrition & Cooking: Italy’s Most Delicious Steak, on a Weeknight at Home
- Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies: What to Know About Hiking After 60
Though I am not the author of these Retirement News Articles, I have searched earnestly for quality content that will prove of value and interest to my subscribers. I hope you enjoy these articles and encourage you to comment on not only the content, but with thoughts on what subjects you would like to see in this weekly compilation.
Please note that you can now subscribe to this weekly edition on the upper right-hand portion of my website (or for those viewing this on a smart phone, it should be at the bottom of the page).
Thank you
Mike
Retirement News Articles – Bonus Story
In May 1918, Henry Johnson found himself alone in the Argonne with a wounded ally, an empty rifle, and dozens of German soldiers closing in. He didn’t run. He fought. I have read this story before, but it never gets old. Brought to you by Mental Floss.
Henry Johnson, the One-Man Army Who Fought Off Dozens of Germans During World War I
Travel for Seniors
This first article, from Conde Nast, is a compilation of savvy travel tips from experienced “retirement” travelers. Though you will by no means want to follow all of someone’s travel rules, adopting some of these tips may make for better trips.
Article two, also from Conde Nast, advocates traveling to Italy during the off-season, from October through April. It claims the temperatures are more pleasant, the crowds significantly reduced, and of course accommodations and related excursions are much cheaper and easier to come by. Conde Nast spoke to a number of travel specialists who give a run down on favorite locales to include in your trip.
The Golden Rules of Retirement Travel
How to Do Italy in the Off Season
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
“If you are interested in living a long and healthy life and playing with your great-grandkids someday, then muscle mass should be a priority. As many of us have read, we lose roughly 1% of muscle every year from our mid-50s; by 80, the average person will have shed 8kg, or about 18lb. Not only does this make it more difficult to perform every-day tasks, but it reduces our balance and weakens our bones, increasing the chances of injury to ourselves, followed by a reduced likelihood of a full recovery.” That is an introduction from the first article, from the Guardian, which has much more to tell us about the importance of building muscle mass after 60.
In article two, from Pocket Worthy, I was pleasantly surprised to see my hometown (and alma mater) did not make this list. Frankly, we have enough people moving in and its charm, though still there, is a bit burnished compared to when I was growing up (I sound old, don’t I?). The “best of” lists are always up for debate, but also fun to read.
The muscle miracle: can I build enough in my 60’s to make it to 100?
Charming College Towns With Off-Campus Appeal
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
In the American steakhouse scene, there’s a growing emphasis on boldness and extravagance among cooks. Flames dance, grease sizzles, and hefty butter-slathered cuts sear under the broiler. Yet, in the pursuit of an exceptional steak, simplicity often reigns supreme. This sentiment echoes the philosophy behind bistecca alla Fiorentina, the renowned bone-in steak hailing from Tuscany, Italy. If this introduction interests you, be sure to read article one and take the ensuing recipe.
Article two highlights another recipe, this one for lentil soup. Like the steak recipe, this one is a welcome exercise in simplicity.
Italy’s Most Delicious Steak, on a Weeknight at Home
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
You can undoubtedly find resources for local wildflower hikes, but article one cites some stellar hikes for those who live in the areas noted. Most of the hikes are out west in higher altitudes, which means peak spring flower season is not for a couple months. If you live east of the Mississippi, note that hike number 6, in the Smoky Mountains, shows that wildflower season has begun. Dust off your boots and enjoy the great outdoors!
In a similar vein, article two, from Web MD, tells you what you need to know if you are not a regular hiker, but plan to start after age 60. In actuality, the article is a great primer for any hiker as it gives guidance not only upon the basic preparation, but details on clothing, safety, and related issues.
7 Best Wildflower Trails and Spring Hikes
What to Know About Hiking After 60
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
I’m sure most of us remember Toto’s pop hit, “Africa”, one of those catchy tunes you just can’t get out of your mind once it enters at the most inopportune time (3 am anyone?). Article one gives us a short trip down memory lane, while accurately describing how this song has stood the test of time and still remains a cultural favorite.
In article two, reader and author Michael Jeffrey Lee makes a case for short stories, which attracted his personal attention a few years ago. He was at first concerned that a move to reading collections of short stories were a sign his reading skills were diminishing. However, he states that was definitely not the case. I encourage you to read the article because there is mor to this short story.
How Toto Made “Africa,” and Why We Still Love It Now
7 Very Short Books That You Can Read in One Sitting
Financial Management for Seniors
What was once a gesture of appreciation for exemplary service has quickly become a source of annoyance. During and immediately after the pandemic, tipping rates and requests for tips to additional “services” or frankly none at all (tipping for take-out food?) rose rapidly. However, But recent surveys show shoppers are experiencing “tip fatigue” and starting to tip less — and resent the unnecessary “guilt tipping” even more.
If you haven’t the time or resources to file your taxes by today, you can get an extension. Article two tells you about how to file for that extension and what your responsibilities may still be on tax day…in short, an extension to file your tax return doesn’t extend the time to pay any tax due. So, you must estimate the amount of tax you will owe and send it to the IRS by the regular tax return filing deadline.
‘Guilt tipping’ is getting out of control, but signs show consumers are pushing back
Tax Extension: How to Get More Time to File Your Tax Return